SVEN-Goran Eriksson may be the master of concise under-statement but he outdid himself with his considered review of a memorable past week for the England team.

"A good five days," he reflected sagely after England had defeated Albania 2-0 in the wake of their incredible 5-1 success in Munich to take them to the top of their group, ahead of Germany on goal difference.

Having picked up just one point from two games before Eriksson took charge, they are now just one win from the World Cup finals, with only Greece, who were themselves beaten 5-1 by Finland last night, barring their path.

If that was only a "good" five days, it is hard to imagine what a "great" five days must have to involve. Presumably winning the World Cup.

But especially after his side struggled during the second half at St James' Park while only Michael Owen's fourth goal in two games separated the two sides, Eriksson was certainly not getting too carried away.

Indeed, while he admitted he had never imagined England being in this position after taking over with that single point in the bag, he warned of the dangers that Greece could still pose despite their defeat to Finland.

"That is a very good result for Finland but every game has its own story, as we have seen here," he said after Robbie Fowler's superb late effort had eventually confirmed victory last night.

"It doesn't mean that Greece will come to England and give us a victory. They will not.

"It's extremely good to be top of the group but the first objective we should have is to try to go to the World Cup and it now depends on us.

"We will have to see what happens next month. Let's hope that we have as many players fit and available as possible.

"I don't think all our fans are thinking that we are going to be World Cup winners. We have to take it a little bit easy in life.

"But we have a good team, even if we suffered for 15 minutes tonight, and I am very positive and confident."

England are likely to need further reserves of patience against Greece at Old Trafford on October 6, just as they required to break down a spirited Albanian side in front of a passionate St James' Park crowd.

Eriksson's side certainly started brightly, with Nicky Barmby prominent on the left flank, while Owen was denied a seemingly clear early penalty when keeper Fotaq Strakosha appeared to bring him down.

Barmby headed another chance wide, while Owen volleyed off target at the near post from a cross by Beckham, who was superbly leading by example as he attempted to rally his side.

Albania were nevertheless growing in confidence and had their own penalty appeal turned down when Ashley Cole tangled with Altin Rraklli, the visitors' goalscorer in Tirana back in March.

It was with some relief therefore when Owen put England ahead just before the break, latching onto Paul Scholes' incisive through-ball to swivel instinctively and bury his volley into the far corner.

"He's in very good shape and was a little bit unlucky not to have scored more in the first half," said Eriksson with yet more understatement after another superb strike by Owen.

England failed to build on that goal after the interval, even with Fowler replacing the largely anonymous Emile Heskey on 55 minutes.

Fowler was soon denied by keeper Strakosha after he flicked a mishit shot by Owen goalwards and Eriksson brought on Steve McManaman for Barmby to attempt to find a new dimension.

The game was starting to run away from England, however, as they tired in the wake of their efforts in Munich and Albania started to dominate midfield.

There were too many individual errors, with McManaman especially culpable as he struggled to make an impact.

An error by Ashley Cole let in Erion Bogdani for one effort and while Rio Ferdinand and Sol Campbell are the correct choices at centre-back, they must continue to work on their as yet uncertain partnership.

In his desperation to inspire his side, Beckham was also becoming involved in a niggly battle with marker Edvin Murati, whom he will meet again in Champions League action.

However, the England captain did keep himself in check and after David Seaman made an important save from a long-range effort by Murati, Eriksson's side showed the character to finish off the match.

It was a class moment that did it as Fowler, who has had a turbulent time at Anfield already this season, showed his finishing prowess.

It certainly underlined his claim to partner Owen for England, although Eriksson must hope that the striker has the chance to gain more match-sharpness before the game against Greece next month.

For the time being though, the England coach was simply content with the victory that means another win against Greece will be enough to qualify unless Germany pull off at least a seven-goal win against Finland.

"It was a bit of an anti-climax after Munich, yes, but I was really happy with the first half," said Eriksson.

"I think we showed a little bit that we are a great team. You can't expect to score five every time in international football. What is important is to win the game and we did that."

There was not the glory, panache or achievement of Munich but it was still an important victory to cap a five-day period which could prove to be a significant turning point for such a young England side.